Best Reishi Supplement UK: Capsules, Powder, Tea or Cacao, and What to Check

Which reishi supplement is best? UK options compared

Reishi is sold in very different forms and strengths, so compare what each label actually states. These are the brands’ own figures, checked November 2026 (Holland and Barrett on 1 November). Evopure isn’t connected with the other brands, and prices and ratings are left out because they change often.

The figures aren’t like for like. An extract concentrates the mushroom, so 920mg of extract is not the same as 920mg of ground mushroom, and an “equivalent” figure such as 20,000mg describes the dried mushroom used, not what is in the capsule. That’s why beta-glucan and triterpene figures, where a brand gives them, are the most useful numbers to compare.

More on each: reishi at Holland and Barrett, Hifas da Terra, DIRTEA and Grass and Co. For lion’s mane, cordyceps and blends, see our best mushroom supplement UK guide.

Reishi capsules, powder, tea or cacao: which form is best?

Reishi is woody and bitter, so few people eat it whole. Each form trades strength for convenience or taste.

Our guides go deeper on reishi powder vs extract vs capsules, how to make reishi tea and the best mushroom hot chocolate. Gummies are another option: see mushroom gummies.

How to read a reishi supplement label: 5 checks

1. The species. Ganoderma lucidum is the name most labels use. A 2018 DNA study of 20 manufactured reishi products labelled Ganoderma lucidum found 93% were actually Ganoderma lingzhi, the species usually grown in Asia, so the name on the label isn’t always exact.
2. Fruiting body or mycelium. The fruiting body is the mushroom itself. Mycelium is the root-like network, often grown on grain, which can add starch.
3. Extract or powder, and the ratio. “20:1” means 20g of dried mushroom went into 1g of extract. Ground whole mushroom has no ratio.
4. Beta-glucans, not just polysaccharides. A “polysaccharides” percentage can include starch from grain. Beta-glucans are measured separately and say more about the mushroom content.
5. Everything else in it. Blends add vitamins, minerals, herbs, sugar or caffeine. Count those against anything else you take.

Our full reishi mushroom guide covers what the research does and doesn’t show, and lion’s mane vs reishi vs cordyceps compares the three most popular mushrooms.

How much reishi should you take a day?

There is no UK recommended amount for reishi, so follow the label of the product you choose and don’t take more than it says. Servings in the table above range from 400mg of extract in a blend to 2,000mg of powder, and an 8g drink with 0.5g reishi. Because extracts and whole mushroom aren’t equal gram for gram, don’t add different products together to reach a bigger number.

Reishi has no authorised health claims in the UK, so no product can say it treats, prevents or relieves anything. Two Cochrane reviews found no reliable evidence for reishi as a cancer treatment or for lowering cardiovascular risk factors. Many people take it in the evening; our guide to reishi and sleep looks at the research honestly.

Is reishi safe? Who should avoid it

• Medicines. Reishi may increase bleeding risk, so speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take blood thinners, and also if you take immunosuppressants or are having cancer treatment.
• Liver. Rare cases of liver damage have been reported with reishi powder, including one fatal case. Stop and see a GP if you notice yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn’t enough safety evidence, so avoid it. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Surgery. Tell your surgeon or GP you take it, because of the bleeding risk.

Our Reishi Cacao is for adults 18+ and contains a little natural caffeine from the cocoa, so try it earlier in the evening if you’re sensitive to caffeine. See also reishi vs ashwagandha if you’re weighing up adaptogens.

Who our Reishi Cacao suits, and who it doesn’t

It suits you if you want an evening drink you’ll look forward to, a caffeine-light swap for a late coffee, or an alcohol-free nightcap. Stir 2 teaspoons (8g) into warm milk or water. Recipes and ideas: how to make reishi hot chocolate, alcohol-free nightcaps and is hot chocolate good before bed?

It isn’t for you if you want the highest mg of reishi extract per serving, a beta-glucan figure on the label, or no sugar at all: a capsule or extract powder from the table above fits better.

Pairing it with something else in the evening? Our Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex gives 290mg magnesium per 4.75g serving; magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Our Sleep CBD Oil has 70mg passionflower extract per half pipette. If you choose CBD, read this first:

The FSA advises healthy adults to take no more than 10mg of CBD a day; about 0.2ml on the 500mg (0.1ml on the 1,000mg) gives 10mg. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.